Zanu PF infighting over Mnangagwa’s presidency gets dirty as armed gunmen besiege and vandalise Cde Bombshell Blessed Geza’s home ahead of 31 March

The escalating battle over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s succession has taken a violent turn, with the homes of prominent opponents being vandalised in a shocking display of intimidation. Among the victims is war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, whose residence in Sanyati was attacked last week, forcing his employees to seek refuge in nearby bushes as they were terrorised by armed assailants.

On Thursday night, unknown gunmen stormed Geza’s farm, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as the attackers demanded information about Geza’s whereabouts. One terrified neighbour recounted the harrowing experience: “I opened the door to guns pointing at my face. They forced me to go with them. When we entered, they made us sit on the ground and started breaking down the windows.”

The violence did not stop there. Expelled Zanu PF member Godwin Gomwe also reported that his vehicle and home in Zvimba, Mashonaland West, were targeted on the same night. The attacks appear to be linked to the growing factionalism within Zanu PF, as pressure mounts over the controversial push to extend Mnangagwa’s rule from 2028 to 2030, in line with a resolution passed at the party’s 2024 annual conference.

Geza, who has become increasingly vocal against the current administration, has called for mass protests on March 31, urging Zimbabweans to demonstrate against what he describes as misgovernance and corruption. His calls for action have drawn the ire of Mnangagwa’s loyalists, with Zanu PF youth leader John Paradza vowing to thwart the planned protests during a recent launch of a presidential youth empowerment fund.

Garwe, addressing party supporters, launched a blistering attack on Geza, labelling him a “stupid, nuisance, idiot”. He asserted that Zanu PF is not governed through social media or petitions, declaring emphatically, “2030 is unstoppable, whether you shout at the President or not.” His comments reflect the party’s determination to push through its agenda despite growing dissent.

As tensions rise, police have launched a manhunt for Geza, accusing him of incitement to violence and undermining the authority of the president. National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi stated that he was out of town when contacted for comment but provided no further details on the ongoing investigations.

The atmosphere in Sanyati is one of fear, as locals recount the terror inflicted by the gunmen. “As Sanyati people we are now in fear,” one victim lamented. “They started at the Munetsi area where they were given directions to Geza’s residence. They also tied up our neighbours as they demanded information about Geza’s whereabouts.”

In a surprising twist, Gomwe alleged that the attackers were colleagues from Zanu PF, attempting to silence him for speaking out against the party’s controversial 2030 agenda. This claim highlights the internal strife within Zanu PF, which has recently suspended and expelled several members for allegedly undermining the party leadership.

Despite the violence, Zanu PF director of Information Farai Marapira distanced the party from the attacks, asserting that “the president has made it clear that we must have peace and unity.” He acknowledged that while Geza and Gomwe may have many enemies, the party encourages tolerance and acceptance of diverse opinions. “I don’t think this has anything to do with Zanu PF. It’s anyone’s guess,” he added.

As the country braces for the planned demonstrations on March 31, the church has issued a heartfelt plea for peace. Evangelical Fellowship pastor Brighton Dengu urged all Zimbabweans to remain peaceful and seek constructive ways to address their grievances. “Violence and repression will only deepen the divisions in our nation,” he cautioned, calling for meaningful dialogue with those feeling marginalised.